Guinea pigs make great pets. They are truly adorable and fascinating, but if you don't take proper care of them, they'll fall sick soon. If you, too, are planning to bring them home for the first time, making you feel anxious, then it is natural. However, having a furry companion for a long time is also exciting.
You must take care of the Guinea pig's diet, grooming, cage size, exercises, winter essentials, and summer essentials. They are commonly thought to be accessible first pets for children, but they require plenty of attention, care, and time, as well as a well-researched approach to their care. Human interaction is also essential for them, so make sure you bond with them well.
Guinea pigs require constant attention, so make sure you or someone else is available daily.
Purchasing a guinea pig should be a long-term decision, as they can live up to 7 years. They are not the type of pet you can leave a pile of food for while you are away for the weekend. However, it would help if you learned how to handle your guinea pig correctly to avoid inconvenience.
Six ways you can take care of your pig:
1. Cozy and Comfortable place:
Guinea pigs are incredibly messy and may even relieve themselves in their food dishes, so maintaining proper hygiene is essential. Guinea pig housing should consist of wire, glass, or sturdy plastic. The cage's floor, however, should be solid rather than wire. This is because guinea pigs with wire-bottom cells can develop foot problems and end up with broken legs if their legs get caught between the wires and they try to flee quickly.
Do not use cedar chips, and avoid wood shavings, as these can cause respiratory irritation. Make sure to put the cage where there are typical patterns of night and day and keep it out of bedrooms to keep your sleep undisturbed. They need larger accommodations if they are large, and guinea pig bedding should be soft and cuddly, just like cotton.
2. Provide a healthy and appropriate diet daily:
Guinea pigs are herbivores; therefore, their food must contain ample plant material for a healthy digestive system. Guinea pigs' diet requirements include hay types, including timothy, orchard, meadow, oaten, and barley hay. Leafy vegetables and fruits should be offered daily. They should be limited to 20% of the diet by weight.
Leafy greens should make up the majority of the vegetable supplementation, with fruits and other vegetables served in small amounts as a treat. A sudden alteration in diet may result in stomach upset and loss of appetite. Feeding simple sugars and starches is especially dangerous. Vitamin C is essential to a guinea pig's diet, as they cannot manufacture their own.
3. Clean them out regularly:
Guinea pigs stay clean and rarely need baths, but they can be spot-cleaned with a damp washcloth and unmedicated, mild soap or unscented baby wipes if needed. Fur may be brushed with a soft brush. Long-haired guinea pigs should be brushed weekly to decrease hair ingestion and prevent tangles. If a guinea pig's teeth or nails appear too long, consult a veterinarian.
They drool excessively or drop food as they eat. Symptoms include hair loss and itchiness. In this situation, guinea pigs need grooming. Hence, they require thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the cabinet in this situation. Guinea pigs should also be treated by a veterinarian or given parasite treatment.
4. Give them enough space to exercise:
Guinea pigs need exercise, mental stimulation, environmental enrichment, and the ability to express normal behavior. The typical behaviours that guinea pigs need to exhibit include social interaction with other guinea pigs, walking, running, exploring, playing, stretching, retreating to a shelter and hiding, chewing, and jumping. Many owners keep them inside the play area and put objects like boxes, paper bags, or pipes they can fit through there. This will keep them entertained for a long time, and they will benefit significantly from the fun!
5. Regular Health checkups:
Guinea pigs that are ill or injured must be treated by a veterinarian to alleviate any pain or distress. Guinea pigs are excellent at concealing illness and pain. If your guinea pig is behaving abnormally, please get in touch with your veterinarian promptly. Guinea pigs should also have regular veterinary checkups; this can help to pick up problems such as overgrown teeth or parasites before they become primary health conditions for your guinea pigs.
You might need to take your pet in for a checkup if they display lethargic behaviour, lack of interest in food, bare patches in the fur, sneezing, or discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth. A vet will be able to examine your pet Guinea pig care during illness and point you in the right direction, helping you give them the best care.
6. Add toys to your guinea pig's cage:
To maintain interest and provide maximum engagement, multiple enrichment items and toys should be provided and frequently replaced with new or different items. However, keep an eye on them when they're out of their cage because they like to chew on things, particularly electrical wires. Guinea pigs enjoy a consistent rotation of toys to avoid boredom! Exercise and toys can provide the enrichment your guinea pig requires to stay happy and healthy. Many guinea pigs can even pick up on a few basic commands or cues.
Conclusion:
A guinea pig can enhance your life. They are small and portable enough to travel with and handle easily. When given the proper environment, guinea pigs are playful and curious. They require more attention than hamsters or mice but are more interactive. We wish you luck that your pet lives a long life and that you have many years of joy with them now that you know how to care for a guinea pig and have decided they are the right pet for you!
Mr N Mrs Pet is always here to help you whenever you face any obstacle with your furry friend. We will guide you with all your queries and doubts and provide you with all the services at your doorstep.